Director General

ICLEI is a worldwide association of local governments dedicated to implementing sustainable development. It is governed by its members, which include over 470 member metropolitan regions, cities, towns, counties and municipal associations in 67 countries.

ICLEI runs campaigns and programs, provides information, training and advice to local governments, and carries out advocacy vis--vis governments and UN organizations. The Toronto offices include the ICLEI World Secretariat and the ICLEI Canada Office with approximately 25 staff managed through a non-profit corporation. ICLEI maintains regional and country offices for Africa, Europe, Latin America, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Korea and the USA, as well as project offices in China and Indonesia. It has 135 staff worldwide.

ICLEI functions as an association of local governments, a movement of cities towards sustain-ability, and an environmental and sustainable development agency for local governments.

Background and Purpose

The position of Director General (DG) is a new one created to concentrate and streamline management functions at ICLEI's headquarters. The DG will ensure that ICLEI's international operational systems are both effective and efficient.

Responsibilities

General

• Develop and oversee the implementation of the six-year ICLEI Strategic Plan and annual Workplan in the areas of international finance, governance, and operations (administration)
• Lead the development of a business branch of ICLEI

Finance

• Monitor and analyze the economic development of ICLEI worldwide, and the Toronto Offices in particular, and develop ideas and concepts to address challenges
• Pursue the establishment of a sustainable finance mechanism for the international organization in close relationship with the ICLEI Advisory Council
• Develop a 'consultancy business' stream running through ICLEI's portfolio of activities, drawing on existing expertise, experience and products
• Oversee budgeting, reporting and controlling of ICLEI Canada accounts
• Establish systems for the standardization of budgets, reports and costing of activities worldwide, and lead the transition to a new accounting software

Governance

• Further develop and implement an improved governance scheme for the entire association, in close cooperation with senior managers of all ICLEI offices, the ICLEI Management Committee and the Boards of affiliated corporations worldwide
• Manage modifications of the ICLEI Charter and By-Laws, prepare proposals to the ICLEI Council and Executive Committee (ExCom), and oversee their implementation
• Provide reports to the ExCom on international finance, governance, and operations matters
• Serve as interface to the ICLEI Management Committee (ManCom), which oversees the association's legal, financial and personnel matters:
  • produce agendas and documents for ManCom meetings;
  • manage the meetings on behalf of the Secretary General
• Manage Board Meetings of the corporation ICLEI Canada, through which the Toronto Offices are operated (including Shareholder Meetings of its subsidiary company, the ICLEI European Secretariat GmbH)

Operations

• Oversee the implementation and application of efficient work and communication systems in the Toronto offices
• Human resource policies and management in the Toronto offices
• Design and implement systems and strategies for improving the overall operational efficiency between ICLEI's offices worldwide
• Support ICLEI's emerging offices worldwide with advice on legal formalities and operational frameworks
• Prepare and advise on legal contracts

Requirements

Languages:Excellent command in oral and written communication of English and a good command of one of the other UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) and/or any other languages of the countries in which ICLEI has operations or a number of members (presently German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese). Further language skills will be an asset.

As effective communication with ICLEI's 12 offices in 10 locations is important, the DG must be able to communicate clearly, understandably and with due cultural sensitivity.

Leadership:The Director General is the second highest position in the ICLEI Toronto offices and reports directly to the Secretary General (SG). The DG will serve as a permanent representative of the SG in Toronto during the absences of the SG. The SG and DG form the Management Team of the ICLEI World Secretariat. The Director General will serve as the Team Leader of the Operations Team, which supports her/him in the execution of her/his duties, and at this time consists of: International Finance Officer, Administration Officer, Teams Support Officer and Office Assistant.

Qualification:A degree/postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject such as business administration, law, finance or related area.

Previous Experience:The suitable candidate will have:

• a minimum of six years working experience outside the academic sector in at least two positions, one of them in a management position;
• previous experience in:
  • international working environment,
  • legal matters,
  • financial management,
  • office management,
  • new business development;
• familiarity with the finance and donor sector;
• strong strategic planning skills and be creative in designing programs, shaping projects and forming partnerships;
• organizational leadership capabilities, including proven experience in team building and management, to be able to lead, inspire, motivate, supervise and coach a small team at the Toronto Offices and provide guidance to management staff at other offices worldwide.

Our New Colleague Should:

• enjoy the mission and motivation of a non-profit NGO, and thrive in its atmosphere of commitment and drive;
• understand governance procedures and apply the diplomacy appropriate to staff of an international local government association;
• apply the professionalism expected from an international association and information, research, training and service agency;
• desire to work at high professional and ethical standards.

Terms and Conditions

The position is available from April 2005 in the range between 75%-100% of a full time position. Relocation to Toronto is required.

Salary is in the range of $75,000 - $100,000 CAD, depending on skills, expertise and experience; benefits are competitive with international non-governmental organizations in Canada.

Closing Date: 20 February 2005

To Apply

rsum Please send, fax or e-mail a job application, including:

• letter of motivation
• detailed curriculum vitae
• references
• documents illustrating previous experience
• indication of citizenship, and if non-Canadian, if holder of a work permit for Canada
• indication of availability date
• list of all employment supervisors since 1992 (including contact information)

ICLEI Secretary General
Attn. Maria Pat City Hall, West Tower, 16th floor
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N2 Canada

Telefax: +1-416 / 392-1478
Electronic mail: hr@iclei.org

Interviews will take place in Toronto during the weeks 7-18 March 2005.

We thank all candidates in advance for their applications, but advise that only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.